Rep. Crane Proposes Bill to Swap DEI Roles for Veterans at Land Management Agencies

By Matthew Holloway |

A bipartisan initiative led by Republican Congressman Eli Crane of Arizona and Democrat Congressman Mike Levin of California has reintroduced the “Hire Veterans Act” to the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposed legislation aims to create employment opportunities for U.S. military veterans in critical roles within federal agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management.

Crane emphasized the severe staffing shortages faced by these agencies, which have hindered their operational capabilities. He specifically pointed out the U.S. Forest Service’s struggle to recruit and train personnel, noting a significant gap in the necessary experience and skill sets of candidates. This deficiency is critical as it limits their ability to tackle rising wildfire threats across the country.

“As a 13-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, I understand the challenges servicemen and women encounter when transitioning to civilian life,” Crane stated in a press release. “This bill offers a pathway for veterans to secure jobs while addressing the pressing needs of our land management agencies.”

Recent reports, including one from the New York Times, revealed that 3,400 employees from the U.S. Forest Service were let go during the Trump Administration, representing about 10% of its workforce. Many of these positions were anticipated to be filled under initiatives focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within Biden’s administration.

“This bill allows Congress to streamline the employment process for veterans while ensuring the protection of our natural resources for future generations,” Crane added, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to support both veterans and responsible land stewardship. Levin echoed these sentiments, stating, “Our veterans sacrifice so much. We have a responsibility to help them transition into civilian roles that support their families.”

Levin also expressed excitement about collaborating with Crane to facilitate job opportunities in federal land management agencies. “This bipartisan effort is crucial for expanding employment prospects for veterans,” he remarked.

In a related development, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced a shift in focus for the USDA, which oversees the Forest Service. A memo was issued to eliminate all Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs, emphasizing a return to principles of unity, equality, meritocracy, and color-blind policies.

“We will no longer celebrate immutable characteristics among ourselves or as a nation,” Rollins stated. “Instead, we will focus on what unites us as Americans: merit, faith, and liberty. Every American deserves equal dignity, which will be upheld at this Department.”

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.